For those of you interested Only in TRAVEL, I (Jack) wrote the blog between MARCH 2010 and October 2010 during our travels west. We saw the most beautiful places and had the best time in our big truck and little trailer. See Blog Archive below.

Aug 8, 2013

Jack's Birthday! and A Call From a Dear Friend!

Today was Jack's 11th birthday. Just wanted to mark it as a special occasion. Love this pup with all my heart!
So where's my cake?
My whole post except for pictures disappeared! Let me tell you about Frannie. She was married to Billy and when I was a little girl, before they had children of their own, they lavished attention upon me. I loved her and thought she was like a movie star and I had a secret crush on Billy at the same time (little girls are funny, aren't they?).

When I was growing up I used to think, "When I get married, I'm going to be just like Fran and treat my husband like she treats Billy because that's why he loves her so much." Their marriage was an incredible and wonderful love story. They were like a Prince and Princess.  He always called Fran his bride. She lost him sixteen years ago. Rich was broken hearted and he knew how broken-hearted I was. He surprised me with a beautifully framed newspaper article that told the story about how Billy had earned so many medals, but had never received them. Billy being Billy, never asked for them or wanted the lime light. He was a WWII hero, very seriously injured in Italy. Weeks before he left us, he was presented with them.


They had two children of their own, Gretchen and John. They adored them, and when they became grand parents they adored their grand children.


Billy and Fran were crazy about Rich. That was very important to me when I first introduced them.


Fran's daughter, Gretchen, takes wonderful care of her Mom, bringing joy into every moment of her life. Fran is failing a bit, so I'm hoping to get down to see her--maybe this winter. I'm very happy to have spoken to her. Fran lost her sight, but I wish she could see how beautiful she is and why she was Billy's Princess. I suspect she knows, though. 

Still Glamorous in her 90s!
I've always loved her.

18 comments:

  1. Happy Birthday Jack. You're still looking very handsome. Such a wonderful story about Fran. You're right, she does look like a princess. So nice to have such a special friend.

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    2. Frannie would love to hear you say that, Donna. She still talks about her "figure". Thanks, as always, for stopping by.

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  2. Happy Birthday to a very special boy! Your mom always speaks very highly of you, Jack. She's rightfully proud of you, since you are such a gentleman. You have a good heart, and a sweet spirit, and we love you, too.

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    1. Hey, Russ! I have Nancy wrapped around my little finger. She always tells me that one day maybe I'll get to meet you and Donna because you and Donna love all of us guys who walk on paws. Thanks for stopping by our place.

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  3. What a beautiful story and lady! and oh, my goodness

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JACK! he's soooo handsome, Nancy ... but then you knew that. ;)

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    1. Thank you, Miss Carolyn. Nancy does tell me how handsome I am all the time. :)

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  4. Happy birthday to your boy, Jack!! may he have many more special days!!

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    2. Would you believe I added another year by mistake--typo. We hope so. I was disappointed to find out that he's 12, but thank goodness he's in great health.

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  5. She is a gorgeous lady 90 or not. What a beautiful story you told. Thanks for sharing.

    Please give Jack our big happy birthday wish. His cake is in the mail...hehe

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    1. I love to hear about real life love stories--seems like there's a larger percent of them among RVers. Must be living the good life.

      Thank you for your birthday wishes for Jack. I'll be watching for the cake especially after seeing your chocolate cake the other day! Hmmm...good.

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  6. Happy Birthday to you Jack and many many more. I think you deserve a cake too. Maybe just a little one though.

    Beautiful story about your friends and their marriage. It is very heartening to hear about such relationships. They are few and far between these days. Not too many are lucky enough to find their soul mates. I cannot believe Fran is in her 90's. She looks amazing. Thanks for sharing this story.

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    1. Hey, Sherry, I wish I had your writing skills so I could do Frannie justice. She's one of a kind, and an incredible role model for all women.

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  7. HAPPY BIRTHDAY JACK!! Fred wanted to know about the cake too! I told him no sweets before breakfast. He turned his back on me. LOL

    What a wonderful story. Fran looks amazing for her age bless her heart. I hope you can get to see Fran this winter.

    I love the bowl sitting on your counter.

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    1. Well, yeah, Jo. Fred and I should have cake, too. I got an extra sweet potato chip--big deal. Thank you, I hope I get to see Frannie, again, too.

      I collect that pattern (fortunately, it's hard to find). It's made by RRP in Ohio--called the wheat pattern. I have a few pieces. For some reason when I saw it, it reminded me of my Mom's kitchen. I have no idea whether she had one or not. It will probably be in the first garage sale after I'm gone along with some of the other things that have caught my eye along the way.

      Thanks for stopping by.

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  8. Happy Birthday, Jack - 11, 12 or whatever it is just have many, many more.

    Great story about your wonderful friend.

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